Top 14: Toulon signing Carl Hayman retains glimmer of hope for playing in the World Cup

24 March 2010

Carl Hayman has further explained his decision to sign for Toulon and put his future financial security ahead of possible World Cup glory.

The former All Blacks prop had been widely tipped to return to New Zealand at the end this season – when his three-year contract expired with Newcastle Falcons – but has instead agreed a lucrative deal with Top 14’s cash-rich Toulon as he joins the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Sonny Bill Williams and Juan Sebastien Lobbe at the Cote d’Azur club.

Top 14 Transfers 2010/11

“There’s a time in one’s life and one’s career when you have to be a bit selfish sometimes and think of yourself,” explained the 30-year-old prop. “I’ve done good service to the All Black jersey and been at the coal face just about every week in my bloody career when I was in New Zealand. I played about 80 minutes every week, so I’ve done my bloody dash,” he told Sky Sports.

But while Hayman, 30, has acknowledged he is now likely to miss out on the 2011 World Cup – being held in his native New Zealand – he hasn’t given up all hope of pulling on the famed All Blacks shirt and adding to his 45 caps.

“I hope if I am playing well enough and they want to pick me that they will, and that would be great,” said the Newcastle captain. “I totally understand the rules and do not expect to be picked, but all that is up to them to be honest. I am just going to try to play as well as I can, and if something comes of it that would be excellent, and if not, so be it,” he told The Journal.

“I guess the ball is in their court. Toulon have said they would release me for the World Cup, just like they would any other player under IRB regulations. I don’t know what will happen about that, but like I said, if I am playing well enough and they would like to pick me then I would be honoured to go back and take part in the World Cup. We will just have to see what happens.

“It was a huge temptation to go back home, and a big part of that was clearly to have another crack at the All Blacks, but I played my first Test back in 2001 so I had a number of years with them,” he added.

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The decision to opt for cash above country is undoubtedly a major blow to the All Blacks’ World Cup plans – unless there is a sudden change in selection policy – and Hayman confirmed that it had been a tough call. “It was a really difficult decision,” he told BBC Newcastle. “I had many interesting evenings torn over what I would do, so it’s good that I’ve made my decision,” he added.

The fantastic riches on offer at Toulon – where he will earn a reputed £650,000 per season – were undoubtedly the deciding factor in Hayman’s choice, but he also stressed that the club’s upward mobility had also been important.

“Earning power is a part of it, but so is Toulon’s form and the fact they are looking to push on into the Heineken Cup next year and they even possibly win the Top 14 this year. They are a club really on the move and it will be exciting to go and be a part of that,” he explained.

Toulon are currently fifth in Top 14 and also have a home quarter-final in the Amlin Challenge Cup. They have been transformed this season under the guidance of head coach Philippe Saint-Andre and are presently on a five-match winning streak in the league – including a fantastic 6-3 away win at mighty Stade Toulousain.

The tight-heap prop is the third Newcastle player to join Toulon within the last 12 months – following Wilkinson and Tom May – and the sixth confirmed signing for 2010/11 by the Cote d’Azur club. England internationals Paul Sackey and Dean Schofield have also committed to join, along with French players Jean-Philippe Genevois, Karena Wihongi (both from Bourgoin) and Clement Baiocco (from Racing-Metro 92).

Newcastle coach Steve Bates admitted the departure of Hayman was a massive blow to the north-east club, describing the Kiwi as “an outstanding player and leader”.

Newcastle chairman Dave Thompson said he tried everything within his power – and financial resources – to persuade Hayman to stay, but admitted that Toulon’s offer had been too good for the player to refuse.

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